I am following the calorie counter method of weight loss, tracking on fitday.com. So far I really really like this-- I even enjoy journaling (LOL now that is saying something, coming from a lifetime WW menber). It really helps me to see in black and white what food groups are coming up at what time of day (i.e. carbs, protein, etc) and how I can adjust things. whomever suggesting upping my proteins was right on-- I have done that, and will have a protein snack in the evening (lately it's been an apple & cheese) and I'm very satisfied.

I must say-- even though I'm not "into" cooking that much, I will say I had an awesome dinner tonight (LOL made by ME!)

marinated boneless pork chops on the george foreman grill
whole wheat couscous
asparagus (total yum!! it was $1.99 at the grocery today, OMG!)
and spinach salad with strawberries, mandarin oranges, a few sunflower seeds, reduced fat feta and a piece of red onion. with poppy seed dressing.

Seriously, even my 10 year old daughter loved it!

I also whipped up a batch of hummus (for any of you who love it but buy it-- it is soo easy to make!!), and a "chocolate raspberry tartlet" from the biggest loser cookbook -- (4 servings) - take 1/2 c. of grapenuts with 2T + 2t allfruit raspberry (or orange marmalde) -- whirl that together for a crust, and then make up a box of SF/FF instant chocolate pudding!~

ahhh.

Yay me! I'm really proud of myself.

sounds good!! Can you share how you made the hummus?

I am interested in hearing the recipe too.

I make my own on a regular basis with smashed chickpeas and spices--garlic and sundried tomatoes being my favorite. I do not add tahini because of the calorie content.

oohhh...chickpeas garlic and sundried tomatoes sounds way good! I'll have to try that tomorrow. Do you just eat it with veggies or some sort of cracker?

1/3 c. tahini
1 can of garbanzos
1/4 c. olive oil
2 cloves of garlic (more or less, depending on what you like)
juice of one lemon (to taste)
salt ~ to taste

throw it all in the food processor and whiz it around! If you use canned garbanzos you can reserve the liquid and add a little to your desired consistency.

Some people add spices like parsley or cumin, but I don't usually. You can add roasted peppers too if you'd like.

also - the recipe site I really like is recipezaar.com, and I know they have a recipe for hummus on there which is very healthy -- you use yogurt. I did make it once and liked it-- but I guess I'm a purist.

Here's another great recipe for hummus, with a bit of a twist...
and less fat, which helps me out alot.

Chick Pea and Roasted Pepper Dip
Servings: 4 • Time: 5 minutes • Calories: 201 • Points: 4 ww points


1 15 oz can garbanzo beans, drained
1 medium roasted red pepper, skin and seeds removed
2 tbsp fresh parsley, leaves only
2 cloves garlic
2 tbsp sesame oil
juice of 1 lemon
salt and fresh pepper
Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender. Add a little water if it is too thick. Blend until smooth. Serve with fresh vegetables like cucumbers, peppers, celery, or whatever you desire.

Kira

Are chickpeas and garbanzos the same thing?

Lachelle-Yes they are

What is the calorie and fat content of this per serving?

FYI..on the hummus you can make hummus patties too...after you smash your chickpeas and add your spices just brush with a little egg white and dredge a little ball of it in a small amount of whole wheat flour....place on wax paper and put in freezer about 20 minutes---then, you can grill out or cook on stove...

thighs be gone I will send you a PM (as a new member my rights here are limited LOLOL)

What is tahini? Can I get it at a regular grocery store?

Sesame butter. Like peanut butter, but made with sesame seeds instead of peanuts. To me it tastes like a cross between peanuts and sunflower seeds. It's runnier than peanut butter.

Probably/possibly, depending on your area. Check the ethnic foods sections.